{"product_id":"julii-cleaner-wrasse","title":"Yellowtail Cleaner Wrasse","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Yellowtail Cleaner Wrasse, \u003cem\u003eDiproctacanthus xanthurus\u003c\/em\u003e, is a distinctive saltwater fish recognized by its pearly white body, bold horizontal black striping, and bright yellow tail. Juveniles display stronger dark striping that changes as the fish matures, while adults develop the characteristic high-contrast white, black, and yellow coloration. Its thick, fleshy lips are adapted for specialized feeding and give rise to another common name, the Yellowtail Tubelip Wrasse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the Western Central Pacific, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Palau, New Guinea, and the Great Barrier Reef, this species inhabits coral-rich lagoons and sheltered seaward reefs. Despite its common name, it should not be confused with obligate cleaner wrasses such as \u003cem\u003eLabroides dimidiatus\u003c\/em\u003e. Juveniles may clean ectoparasites from other fish, but this behavior diminishes with maturity as the natural diet shifts heavily toward coral polyps. This unusual feeding ecology makes the species best suited to experienced aquarists and fish-only marine aquariums rather than traditional reef displays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Expert Only\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 55 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Corallivore \/ Carnivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e No\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Western Central Pacific\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eDiproctacanthus xanthurus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Yellowtail Cleaner Wrasse should be maintained in an established marine aquarium with substantial rockwork and adequate open swimming space. Although adults reach only about 4 inches, this is an active fish that benefits from a 55-gallon or larger aquarium with room to cruise and forage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide caves, overhangs, and crevices throughout the rockwork so the fish has secure places to retreat when startled or resting. Open swimming areas should remain available around the aquascape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to strong water movement, excellent oxygenation, dependable filtration, and stable water quality are recommended. A mature system is preferable to a newly established aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA tightly fitted aquarium cover is important, as wrasses are capable jumpers and may escape through small openings around equipment or plumbing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe natural feeding ecology of this species requires special consideration. Juveniles may remove ectoparasites from other fish, but adults feed predominantly on coral polyps in the wild.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaptive specimens may learn to accept prepared foods such as mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped shrimp, clam, mussel, frozen marine blends, and appropriately sized carnivore pellets. Foods should be small enough for the fish's relatively narrow mouth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer two to three smaller meals per day and closely monitor body condition. A specimen accepting prepared food should still be considered a specialized feeder, particularly during acclimation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Yellowtail Cleaner Wrasse is generally peaceful toward other marine fish and can coexist with a variety of similarly peaceful or moderately assertive tankmates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable companions include clownfish, tangs, angelfish, rabbitfish, cardinalfish, and other appropriately sized community fish. Avoid highly aggressive species that may intimidate the wrasse or prevent it from feeding consistently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJuveniles may attempt to clean other fish, but this behavior should not be expected to continue into adulthood. The species should not be purchased primarily as a parasite-control fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Yellowtail Cleaner Wrasse is \u003cstrong\u003enot reef safe\u003c\/strong\u003e. Adult \u003cem\u003eDiproctacanthus xanthurus\u003c\/em\u003e naturally feeds heavily on coral polyps and can damage both stony and soft corals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSPS corals, LPS corals, zoanthids, and other sessile reef organisms may be repeatedly picked at or consumed. Feeding the fish heavily with prepared foods does not eliminate this natural corallivorous behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor long-term housing, this species is much better suited to a fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock aquarium than a coral-dominated reef system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable conditions are more important than chasing exact numbers. Maintain consistent salinity and temperature along with excellent oxygenation, efficient biological filtration, and dependable water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot a true adult cleaner wrasse:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cleaning behavior occurs primarily when young and generally diminishes as the fish matures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNatural coral predator:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adults feed heavily on coral polyps, making this species unsuitable for most reef aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecialized feeding ecology:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carefully monitor newly introduced specimens to ensure they accept adequate prepared foods and maintain body condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eActive swimmer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide open swimming space along with abundant secure rockwork and shelter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJumping risk:\u003c\/strong\u003e A tightly fitted aquarium cover is strongly recommended, including around plumbing and equipment openings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52414675943722,"sku":"WRASSExJuli","price":56.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/YellowtailCleanerWrasse_353151d6-d7bf-4d0b-ae4f-c720648d2d93.png?v=1787944867","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/julii-cleaner-wrasse","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}